Sydney’s iconic coastline, endless martinis and the best reads to take beachside this summer. Planning to have no plans with Market & Beauty Director Elle Presbury.

I’d love to receive …

I think I say this every year but … art. I’ve been gifted this print by Tim Ashton and can’t wait to have it hung. Completely unnecessary objects such as this cigarette lighter, a subscription to Le M Magazine, skincare I go through far too quickly and By Raffaela’s ceramic lamp.

My summer break looks like …

Attempting to slow down to zero. Shut off completely. Leave the phone at home. I have no plans and am staying put this holiday break. Sleeping in, taking advantage of Sydney’s many beaches, coves and cliff faces for long days of sun, swimming and reading.

My holiday reading list
includes …

Each year the New York Times does their best 10 books of the year. Cross-check this with Obama’s summer reading list and it’s a good place to start for recommendations. Which is where Exhalation comes in. I’ve already read Three Women but it is a front runner for our next book club so am adding it here. My sister gave me Beloved for my birthday but I didn’t get to it so am dedicating summer holidays to that, and am re-reading The Sun Also Rises because it’s just that time of year.

My New Year’s Eve plans include …

A dinner party with friends where so far the only item on the menu are martinis.